Middle school kids who park themselves in front of the TV for two hours or more each day are more likely to consume junk food and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, even compared to those who spend an equal amount of time on the computer or playing video games, according to research to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 63rd Annual Scientific Session.”While too much of both types of screen time encourages sedentary behavior, our study suggests high TV time in particular is associated with poorer food choices and increased cardiovascular risk,” said Elizabeth Jackson, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Systems, Ann Arbor, Mich., and the senior author of the study.In fact, sixth-graders who reported watching between two and six hours of TV a day were more likely to have higher body mass index, elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure and slower recovery heart rate compared with those reporting low screen time or kids who had comparable computer/video game use. This is the first time researchers have looked at the impact of different kinds of screen time kids get in relation to snacking habits and physiological measures associated with heart health, according to the authors.The study included 1,003 sixth-graders from 24 middle schools participating in Project Healthy Schools across five diverse communities in Southeast Michigan. Researchers used standardized questionnaires to collect information about health behaviors including the type and frequency of screen time, snacking habits, and food and beverage choices in the last 24 hours. Physiological measurements were also assessed, including blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate recovery after exercise (a marker of fitness), height and weight. Students were divided into three groups: low screen time (less than one-half hour a day), high TV time (two to six hours a day) and high computer/video games (two to six hours a day). Self-reported snack behavior and physiologic markers were then compared.The research found that kids who spent more time in front of a screen — regardless of the type — snack more frequently and are more likely to choose less healthy snacks. High TV viewers and computer/video game users both reported eating roughly 3.5 snacks a day — one full snack more than kids who had minimal exposure to these technologies. But children who watched two to six hours a day of TV were more likely than the high computer/video game group to eat high-fat foods such as French fries and chips.Jackson said this is likely because these kids are bombarded by TV commercials that tend to reinforce less healthy foods — often higher in sugar, salt and fats. In addition, kids tend to have free hands while watching TV as opposed to when they are on the computer or playing video games, which provides more opportunity for mindless snacking. Earlier studies have also shown that children tend to eat more when they watch TV.”Snacks are important, and choosing a piece of fruit rather than a bag of chips can make a really big difference for one’s health,” Jackson said. …

How to FitnessButt Exercises: Booty SqueezeTo give your butt and abs an intense workout, try this move from Brooke Burke-Charvet. You’ll use a light dumbbell to tone your thighs and the inner part of your booty. Watch the video to learn how to do this powerful, body-sculpting move.Brooke Burke-Charvet’s next workout moveSee the full workout #abs&core #legs&butt

How to FitnessButt Exercises: Booty BurnFor a sculpted, seriously sexy butt, try Brooke Burke-Charvet’s favorite booty-burning move. By holding a light weight behind your knee, you’ll get maximum impact in a short amount of time. Learn the exercise in this video and you’ll feel the burn in your abs, butt, and hamstrings.Brooke Burke-Charvet’s next workout moveSee the full workout #abs&core #legs&butt

How to FitnessButt Exercises: RainbowFor a lower-body burn, try this move from Brooke Burke-Charvet. It’s a powerful, sweeping leg motion that targets the butt and legs. Watch the video to learn how to do this challenging, butt-blasting exercise and do your best to keep it up for up to 30 seconds.Brooke Burke-Charvet’s next workout moveSee the full workout #legs&butt

How to FitnessSit OutThe sit out works the entire body and promotes balance and coordination. Pay close attention to Alison Sweeney’s end position in this video: You should be looking up toward your raised arm. Hold for 2 seconds, then repeat on the other side. That’s one rep; do 8 to 10 total.Alison Sweeney’s first workout moveSee the full workout #arms #legs&butt #strength

How to FitnessPlank With Opposite Limb ExtensionAlison Sweeney shows you a total-body move that places extra emphasis on your core in this video. Keep your spine straight and your abs engaged as you draw your opposite arm and leg together, then extend back out. Do 12 to 15 reps on each side.Alison Sweeney’s next workout moveSee the full workout #abs&core #arms #legs&butt #strength

How to FitnessPlank JacksAdding a jump to the standard plank engages your core even more. Make sure to keep your pelvis steady and your back straight, as shown by Alison Sweeney in this video. Repeat for 1 minute, eventually building up to 5 minutes as you get stronger.Alison Sweeney’s next workout moveSee the full workout #abs&core #arms #back #cardio #legs&butt

Can initial modes of behavior be used to predict how fit and healthy a person will be 18 years later? This question was in the focus of studies performed by researchers of KIT, Technische Universitt Mnchen, and the universities of Konstanz and Bayreuth. A basic survey covered about 500 adults over a longer term. The result: Initial habits determine physical fitness and health in the long term. The study is now reported by the scientists in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise.”The results of our study reveal how important it is to acquire health-promoting habits at early adult age already. This should also be in the focus of prevention measures,” Professor Alexander Woll, Head of the KIT Institute of Sports and Sport Science, explains. Initial habits concerning nutrition and physical exercise will influence physical fitness and health in a statistically significant way in the long term.In their study, the researchers used a four-stage biopsychosocial model to identify mutual interactions of health-relevant factors. On the first level, distal, environment-related factors, such as the migration background and socioeconomic status, can be found. The second level covers proximal, personal factors, such as social support, stress management strategies, and the coherence feeling. The third level includes behavioral factors, such as nutrition habits, smoking, and physical exercise. …

How to FitnessBicycle Abs With Dumbbell Pec FlySave some time at the gym by getting your abs and upper body working simultaneously. In this video, Alison Sweeney shows you a hybrid move to stimulate your abdominals, chest, and shoulders. If you notice your back lifting off the ground, don’t lower your legs as far—this will help protect your spine. Repeat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.Alison Sweeney’s next workout moveSee the full workout #abs&core #arms #legs&butt #strength

How to FitnessOne-Legged Deadlift with Leg Extension and Overhead PressAdding an extension and press to a single-leg deadlift works every muscle while improving your balance and stability. All you need (aside from motivation) is a set of dumbbells. Watch this video with Alison Sweeney and do 10 to 15 reps on each side.Alison Sweeney’s next workout moveSee the full workout #abs&core #arms #legs&butt #strength

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